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‘Tunes for Tots’ to rock the Eagles

PUNXSUTAWNEY — What started out as a dream for Bruce Walker of Punxsutawney last year, has now become reality for him, with the help of many great people.

Walker's goal was to help local children at Christmas time. His statement — "No child should wake up without presents on Christmas" — was taken to heart by some friends who helped him host the first annual Tunes for Tots & Auction on Dec. 3, 2011, at Walston Club in Punxsutawney.

The event raised $3,459, and the committee partnered with the Salvation Army's Treasures for Children program, allowing them to help three local families and a family from Mahaffey with nine children who lost everything in a fire earlier that month.

On Oct. 13 of this year, the Tunes for Tots & Auction committee held a kickoff event at the Punxsutawney Moose, featuring opening act Bruce Walker from Backseat Romeo and local well-known band Head On.

The funds raised at this event have already surpassed last year's total, and the second annual Tunes for Tots & Auction will be held Saturday at the Punxsutawney Eagles at 6 p.m.

All of the musicians affiliated with Tunes for Tots events donate their time and talent to help raise money for the less fortunate children of the area.

This year, the committee raised the bar high, setting a goal of $6,000. Its members are requesting the community's assistance in making the second annual event a huge success.

A silent auction with over 42 items will be held from 6 to 10 p.m., and entrants need not be present to win.

Auction items are being collected through today, along with food, toys and monetary donations to help support this great cause.

The event — a non-smoking one — is open to the public for anyone 21 years of age or older, and the price of admission is $10 per person, which includes sharing in the season of giving with good friends, good entertainment and good food.

Advance tickets are available and if purchased, must be presented for entry at the door.

Toy donations will be accepted — and greatly appreciated — at the door.

If you are unable to attend the event, toy donations may be dropped off at the following local businesses: Punxsutawney Moose, Punxsutawney Eagles, The Walston Club, Walker Auto Parts and Johnston Furniture.

The committee asks that members of the community help support the campaign to help those less fortunate during this holiday season. By donating, its members said, you'll be making a contribution that will help make life a little merrier around the holidays for individuals in need right here in our own community.

For more information on the event, or to purchase tickets, contact Christi Payson at 814-939-3732 or the Punxsutawney Eagles at 814-938-9976.